Hot Time of Year for HVAC Techs

Although we’ve seen some relief in the past few days — the start of this summer was all about heat and humidity.

This means that those in the air conditioning business are on the clock nearly non-stop.

When HVAC technician Sam Pomeroy gets a call for a broken air conditioner from a place like Nourse’s Strawberry Farm… whose business dependson climate, it’s a priority.

“You really have to be like, part plumber, part electrician, you’re part plumber, and part carpenter,” explains Pomeroy

When it comes to repair…getting in those units can be risky.

“It doesn’t feel dangerous after so many years, but you have to remind yourself that it is all the time,” said Pomeroy. “It’s 460 volts, it would pop your eyeballs out.”

In the 17 years Rich Strong has owned his Hatfield-based company, last week was one of their busiest.

“I’ve got 5 guys, 5 service vans on the road,” said Strong. “I’ve been running them straight. 10 hours a day, 6 days a week and sometimes Sundays trying to keep up with the load.”

Their main clientele actually consists of commercial businesses…but during heat waves and intense humidity the residential calls have been pouring in.

The humidity is the main culprit for air conditioning since it’s units have to bring that down before temps start to lower.

But before you make that call to a very busy HVAC tech, there are a couple of steps you can take to make sure you’re getting the most out of your ac.

“Filters are the main thing that you can do. For a $5 filter, just energy wise, electricity usage.”

Another tip – turn on your AC at 6am when your home is coolest. That’s when it’s easiest for the unit to catch up with the temp and maintain the cool… instead of turning it on and off throughout the day, which won’t save you money on your energy bill.

Strong also suggests getting maintenance in the spring to ensure your unit will work in 90 degree weather.

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